Russian President Vladimir Putin has condemned the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli strikes, describing it as an “assassination” carried out in breach of international law.
In a message to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, published by the Kremlin on Sunday, Putin expressed sympathy over what Moscow characterised as a targeted killing.
“Please accept my deepest condolences in connection with the assassination of the supreme leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran ... committed in cynical violation of all norms of human morality and international law,” Putin said.
He added: “In our country, Ayatollah Khamenei will be remembered as an outstanding statesman who made a tremendous personal contribution to the development of friendly Russian-Iranian relations.”
Russian state news agency TASS reported that Putin also described Khamenei’s death as a “cynical murder” that violated all standards of human morality and international law.
Iranian state television confirmed the death of Ayatollah Khamenei on Sunday and announced a fresh wave of retaliatory attacks, as Israel launched strikes on Tehran.
Beyond the message of condolence, Putin has not issued further public remarks on the US-Israeli operation.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
Find the best of Al News in one place, specially curated for you every weekend.
Stay on top of the latest tech trends and biggest startup news.
